5 Keys to Happiness

By Marcie Hill

We are all experiencing this wonderful event called “life.”  It is a marvelous and joyous time to become the people that God created us to be.  However, life is not without challenges.  As spiritual beings having human experiences, one can easily get weighed down by the negativity that seizes us from every angle.  The following five keys to happiness will help you maintain your sanity in the circus of life.

Relationship with God. 

An intimate relationship with God is imperative.  To have such a relationship, you must believe and acknowledge that God is the ONLY source of all of your needs - your house, food, clothes … everything.  You will know the level of your relationship with God by your level of faith.

Relationship with self.

You have to love yourself.  You have to enjoy your own company, do things for yourself, and hold yourself in the highest regard.  It’s OK to think of yourself as “all that” (because you are) as long as you do not put others down to lift yourself up.  In fact, you will love yourself even more if you go out of your way to uplift another sister.  Keep in mind that you cannot sincerely give a positive word to another if you do not love yourself.  You cannot truly love yourself unless you have a strong relationship with God.

Relationship with others.

When the word “relationship” is mentioned in conversation, people automatically think of the bond between women and men.  However, my definition of relationship includes a connection between all people regardless of race, age, gender or ethnicity.   To establish relationships with others, you have to be the person whom you are attempting to attract.  Do you believe that you can attract a genuine friend if you are neither genuine nor friendly?

Blessing others.

Have you ever done anything for someone “just because”?  Have you ever looked at the face of the person you gave an unexpected gift to?  Have you ever lent an ear to someone who was dealing with an issue?   Do you volunteer your time, knowledge or resources in your community?  If you answer “yes” to one or more of the questions above, you have experienced the satisfaction of blessing others.  Remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive. 

Being blessed by others.

The spiritual law of reciprocation states that you will reap what you sow.  When you give of yourself freely, expect to be blessed.  You may not be blessed in ways you want to be blessed, but your blessings will be bigger and better than the kind word, the one hour of volunteering or the sympathetic ear that you lent to someone.

You have just received the five keys to happiness.  If you use one or more keys daily, you are sure to have a permanent smile on your face because the joy from your heart will spring forth with gladness.  Happy Living!!

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About the Author: Marcie Hill is the President/CEO of The Write Design Company, a writing business specializing in organizational, employee and marketing communication messages based in Chicago.  Marcie is also a freelance journalist with published works in N’Digo Magapaper, Mahogany Magazine and the Independent Bulletin Newspaper.  She is member of the National Black Journalist Association and Toastmasters International.  Marcie is currently sharing her gift of writing with youth ages 13 – 19 through her emerging 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, From Goodness to Greatness, Inc.

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